Good morning! My name is Lauren, and I'm a grateful, recovering alcoholic/addict. Last night at the AA meeting I go to, there was a newcomer. One thing I always try to do is make them feel welcome, and a lot of other people did to. That is one thing that always sticks in my head of my first meeting. The first meeting I went to when I got out of treatment, I was nervous. I thought everyone was going to judge me. I had all these negative expectations but really didn't know what to expect. Once I got there everone was very welcoming and kind. Once the meeting started they all talked to me, welcomed me, told me to come back, told me things got better, told me it was worth it, told me to call them when I wanted to drink. I listened to these people. Today I do the same thing to newcomers. I want them to feel the same way I did: special, part of something. That taste they get of their first meeting is important, make it a good one. Make them want to come back. That's all I have for today! Have a great one!